Zinnia: Benary's Giant Carmine Rose (Zinnia elegans)

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​​Benary's Giant Carmine Rose Zinnia are an easy to grow flower that are perfect for gardeners and garden centers who love and deal in cut flowers! They are mostly grown for cut flowers because of their stunning, huge 4-6" bright double blossoms and thick stems. If you are looking for a cut flower that has a tolerance to diseases and last longer in a vase then this one is it!

Soil Preparation:Compost (N), 2", in top 6" of soil, 1 time:Apply 2" of compost as a mulch to help suppress weeds and provide nutrients.

​​For early flowers, start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frosts are expected. Use trays or pots and a good sowing compost. Seeds should be spaced at least 1" apart. The seeds need light to germinate, so “just cover” the seeds with a sprinkling of fine, sieved soil. Seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Keep soil moderately moist during germination. When plants are 1-2" in height, transplant to 3" pots and grow on. Zinnias are sensitive to root disturbance, so be especially careful when transplanting.

​​Gradually acclimatize indoor started seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and weather has warmed considerably. Plant out 25 to 10-12" apart. Add garden compost to the soil if it is heavy or infertile.

Sow seeds where the plants are to be grown in spring after the last frost, and in an area with full sun. Zinnia prefers fertile, rich, and well-drained soil, average soil is acceptable, but if you add compost and all-purpose fertilizer before sowing, the blooms will be lusher. Sow seeds 2 to 3" apart in rows 12" apart. Barely cover seeds with soil; they need light to germinate. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate, in 5 to 10 days. When 2" tall thin the seedlings to 10 to 12" apart.

They will reward you with hundreds of colorful flowers for just a little care. If you are growing some of the older, heirloom varieties of zinnias, a little pinching back in early summer will make them bushier and produce side branches with more flowers. There is typically little problem growing zinnias, except in extremely humid conditions where a powdery mildew can sometimes form. Protect young plants from slugs and snails. Deadhead spent flowers frequently to prolong flowering. ​Water regularly. Water deeply by soaking soil and avoid spraying foliage.

Saving seeds of zinnia saving could not be easier, you not only get the colors you want, but you can also select seeds from the healthiest plants. Do this, and in a couple of generations of seeds, you will have developed your own strain of zinnias selected to perform well in your conditions. In late summer let some zinnias go to seed. The seeds are easy to collect and store for next year. Wait until they are fully dry on the plant, then clean out the old petals and store at room temperature.

suggested varieties

Asparagus: Mary Washington (Heirloom) (Asparagus officinalis​)

$0.25 - $5.60

This member of the lily family originated in the Mediterranean countries; the ancient Greeks and Romans greatly favored it. According to legend, Julius Caesar required his asparagus to be served with melted butter. By the 16th century, the kings of England and France had claimed it as their special delicacy, causing the vegetable to be nicknamed the "food of kings." Louis XIV of France had his own supply growing year round in greenhouses, since he greatly enjoyed it. In the Renaissance, asparagus was considered an elegant vegetable and often found at the tables of the wealthy. Asparagus came to America with the colonists, and has since grown wild all over the United States.

Beans: Kentucky Wonder Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

$0.25 - $5.60

First appearing in the late 1800's, Kentucky Wonder Pole beans are descended from an old variety of pole bean called Texas Pole. When first introduced, Kentucky Wonder had the name of Old Homestead. In 1877, James J. H. Gregory & Sons made it available in their catalog. It immediately became widely popular for its flat, stringless pods that could be eaten fresh or dried for soup beans.

Beans: Lazy Housewife Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

$1.00 - $5.60

2015 Bean of the Year. ​Brought to America by German immigrants and first listed in W. Atlee Burpee’s 1888 catalog. These beans were so-named because they were the first beans to not require destringing! Originally cultivated in Central America, from Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The smaller beans are thought to have been cultivated in Mexico as long as 7,000 years ago, while the larger beans were cultivated in Peru starting 8,000 years ago. High in protein, easy to grow, dry and cook, they have sustained mankind for millennia.

Corn: Golden Bantam-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)

$0.50 - $5.60

A Greenfield, Massachusetts native named J. G. Pickett is credited with developing this marvelous variety of corn. Later, seed expert E. L. Coy sent it to Burpee with the note, "you now own the very richest and sweetest corn ever known."

Corn: Country Gentleman-Open Pollinated (Heirloom) (Zea mays)

$0.50 - $5.60

Country Gentleman corn, a heirloom variety, is the most well known variety of shoepeg corn. Named for the similarity of its kernels to wooden pegs used in shoe making, shoepeg corn is characterized by small, irregular white kernels of unsurpassed tenderness and sweetness. The American South has made this type of corn its own, and it is virtually unrecognized in other areas of the United States. Country Gentleman was first offered for sale in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons.

Corn, Popcorn: Shaman's Blue (Hybrid) Open Pollinated (Zea mays)

$1.00 - $5.60

Blue corn originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, where the native peoples usually ground it into flour for cooking. Indians of Mexico and the southwestern United States also widely used this corn, since its dryness made it an excellent flour corn and gave it good resistance to disease. This exciting blue popcorn receives high marks for both visual and taste appeal. The unique blue/purple kernel pops into mounds of snow white popcorn that will satisfy any popcorn lover with its slightly sweet flavor.

Cucumber: Lemon (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$0.50 - $5.60

Historians generally agree that the first cucumbers grew in India's Himalayan Mountains over 3,000 years ago. From this region they expanded into Greece and Rome; the Romans most likely spread this vegetable to the rest of Europe. The cucumber was widely grown by native Americans through the influence of the Spanish and other explorers. Cucumbers continue to be a vital part of traditional cuisine in Russia and many parts of Asia; the greatest variety of colors and shapes of this vegetable can still be found in its Asian birthplace. Lemon cucumbers in particular can be traced back to the gardens of the 1890s.

Cucumber: Marketmore 76' (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$0.50 - $5.60

Historians generally agree that the first cucumbers grew in India's Himalayan Mountains over 3,000 years ago. From this region they expanded into Greece and Rome; the Romans most likely spread this vegetable to the rest of Europe. The cucumber was widely grown by native Americans through the influence of the Spanish and other explorers. Cucumbers continue to be a vital part of traditional cuisine in Russia and many parts of Asia; the greatest variety of colors and shapes of this vegetable can still be found in its Asian birthplace. Marketmore cucumbers in particular were developed at Cornell University of New York, but Dr. Henry Munger.

Cucumber: Mexican Sour Gherkin (Heirloom) (Melothria scabra)

$1.00 - $5.60

Melothria scabra is a vine grown for its edible fruit. Fruit are about the size of grapes and taste like cucumbers with a tinge of sourness. Vernacular names include mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkin, cucamelon, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber and pepquinos. This plant is native to Mexico and Central America, where it is called sandiita (little watermelon). It is believed to have been a domesticated crop before western contact began.

Cucumber: National Pickling (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$0.50 - $5.60

National Pickling cucumbers in particular come from the research of George Starr of Michigan State University, who was commissioned by the National Pickle Packers Association to produce a pickle that would perform equally well for small and large pickles. The resulting cucumber excelled all expectations when it was offered to the public in 1924. ​

Cucumber: Straight Eight (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$1.00 - $5.60

Historians generally agree that the first cucumbers grew in India's Himalyan Mountains over 3,000 years ago. From this region they expanded into Greece and Rome; the Romans most likely spread this vegetable to the rest of Europe. The cucumber was widely grown by native Americans through the influence of the Spanish and other explorers. Cucumbers continue to be a vital part of traditional cuisine in Russia and many parts of Asia; the greatest variety of colors and shapes of this vegetable can still be found in its Asian birthplace. Straight Eight cucumbers in particular were developed because of the demand for straight cucumbers; they exceeded all expectations, and won the AAS Gold Medal Award in 1935.

Cucumber: Wisconsin SMR 58 (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$1.00 - $5.60

Historians generally agree that the first cucumbers grew in India's Himalayan Mountains over 3,000 years ago. From this region they expanded into Greece and Rome; the Romans most likely spread this vegetable to the rest of Europe. The cucumber was widely grown by native Americans through the influence of the Spanish and other explorers. Cucumbers continue to be a vital part of traditional cuisine in Russia and many parts of Asia; the greatest variety of colors and shapes of this vegetable can still be found in its Asian birthplace. As the name suggests, the Wisconsin SMR 58 cucumber comes from the University of Wisconsin; it soon achieved the title of the best non-hybrid pickling cucumber.

Eggplant: Black Beauty (Heirloom) (Solanum melongena var. esculentum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Eggplants date back to medieval times where they were called mad apples. A staple of regions of Asia, known as the "king of vegetables". Eggplant comes in all shapes colors and sizes. Black Beauty is one of the earliest and dates back to the early 1900's.

Eggplant: Long Purple (Heirloom) (Solanum melongena)

$0.25 - $5.60

This Italian heirloom eggplant, Long Purple, produces dark purple cucumber-shaped fruit with firm, mild flesh. Good yields, especially in northern climates! Plants will typically produce 4 or more 8-10" fruits with harvest beginning in 70 to 80 days. Average water needs. Some parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.

Lettuce: Bibb (Heirloom)

$0.25 - $5.60

This unusual lettuce with a resemblance to both leaf lettuce and iceberg lettuce was first grown by Lt. Jack B. Bibb of Frankfurt, Kentucky in 1935. Lt. Bibb experimented with horticulture in his greenhouse and ended up with this famous variety, which provides the traditional salad lettuce of the Kentucky Derby. Bibb lettuce also has been called "limestone lettuce" because of the high lime content in the Kentucky soil.

Lettuce: Freckles Romaine (Heirloom)

$0.25 - $5.60

Freckles heirloom lettuce, originally known by the German name of "Forellenschluss," which means "speckled like a trout's back," comes from Austria and Southern Germany in the late 18th century. Wild lettuce, however, from which modern lettuce is derived, originated in Asia Minor. The ancient historian Herodotus records its presence on the tables of 6th century Persian kings, and throughout the following centuries it became a popular crop all over Europe. Columbus brought it with him to the New World, starting its spread over the North American continent. Without a doubt, lettuce now holds a place in nearly every garden on the globe.

Lettuce: Oakleaf (Heirloom)

$0.25 - $5.60

Oakleaf lettuce dates back to 1771, when it was introduced by the French seed company Vilmorin. Wild lettuce, however, from which modern lettuce is derived, originated in Asia Minor. The ancient historian Herodotus records its presence on the tables of 6th century Persian kings, and throughout the following centuries it became a popular crop all over Europe. Columbus brought it with him to the New World, starting its spread over the North American continent. Without a doubt, lettuce now holds a place in nearly every garden on the globe.

Lettuce: Red Romaine (Heirloom)

$0.25 - $5.60

Romaine lettuce, though named for its presence in the papal gardens, dates back to the third millennium BC, where ancient Egyptians depicted this type of lettuce in their bas-reliefs. Another name for Romaine, "Cos," shows another part of its history on the Greek island of Kos. Later, Syrian gardeners began selectively breeding this type of lettuce to have a thick rib and spoon-like shape, since they used lettuce as a spoon for their traditional cuisine.

Okra: Clemson Spineless (Heirloom) (Abelmoschus esculentus)

$0.50 - $5.60

Only a few left!

As the name suggests, Clemson Spineless okra was developed by the horticultural research department of Clemson University in South Carolina. Introduced in 1939, it immediately won an AAS award in that same year. Originally, okra comes from northern Africa, where it still grows wild. This unusual member of the hibiscus family still has an important part in African and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as being a culinary tradition in the American South.

Okra: Red Burgundy (Heirloom) (Abelmoschus esculentus)

$0.50 - $5.60

Red Burgundy Okra has deep crimson pods on tall stems. Gorgeous yellow flowers accented with red are a favorite of the bees. Even if you don't eat okra, this plant is worth growing! The plants are very productive and produce 6" long tender pods that lose their red color when cooked. The pods are delicious in soup, stew or gumbo.

Summer Squash: Dark Green Zucchini (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

This is the traditional, reliable zucchini that just keeps on producing! Fruits are dark green, and nice and straight! Matures in about 60 days. Average water needs. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and/or birds.

Summer Squash: Dixie (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

Dixie is a smooth skin hybrid yellow crookneck that consistently produces high yields of excellent quality fruit. The 5-6" long fruits are early-maturing, uniform, lemony yellow in color and holds well after picking and tastiest when 4-6" long. Low in calories and a good source of vitamin A . ​This variety is excellent for freezing and canning.

Summer Squash: Early White Bush Scallop (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

With a delicate, mild flavor, much akin to zucchini, the scallop squash, is a small variety of summer squash. Lesser known than its relatives yellow squash or zucchini, patty pans have a distinct shape which some people describe as similar to a flying saucer.

Summer Squash: Early Yellow Crookneck (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

Crookneck Squash is part of the original "three sisters" plantings found by colonists when they arrived in the new world. Native American's used the grouping of corn, beans and crookneck squash so the plants all would benefit each other. Crookneck squash was a crucial food source for the American settlers and has been sold since 1928.

Summer Squash: Grey Zucchini (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

History records that Columbus carried this then unfamiliar member of the cucumber family back to Europe after his first voyage. In Italy it acquired the name "zucchino," meaning a small squash; the French name for a zucchini, which the English later adopted, is "courgette." Italian immigrants later brought the zucchini back to the United States, where it became the most popular and commonly available variety of summer squash.

Summer Squash: Scallop Yellow Bush (Heirloom) (Cucurbita pepo)

$1.00 - $5.60

This colorful patty pan squash predates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World. It is a rare Native American squash, having been domesticated in North America centuries before the arrival of explorers and settlers.

Winter Squash: Sweet Meat (Heirloom) (Cucurbita maxima)

$1.00 - $5.60

Winter squash such as Sweet Meat comes from the Native Americans, developed and cultivated in their gardens long before the arrival of the explorers and settlers. Traditionally, squash was grown alongside beans and corn as part of the "three sisters" group; these three vegetables greatly benefit each others' growth. Sweet Meat heirloom squash, a northwestern favorite, was introduced by Gill Brothers Seed Company of Portland, Oregon.

Winter Squash: Vegetable Spaghetti (Heirloom) (Cucurbita maxima)

$1.00 - $5.60

Originally from China, vegetable spaghetti squash was introduced to Japan in 1921 by a Chinese agricultural research company. The Burpee Seed Company introduced this variety to the United States in 1936; most World War II Victory Gardens contained this squash, more commonly known as spaghetti squash.

Winter Squash: Waltham Butternut (Heirloom) (Cucurbita maxima)

$1.00 - $5.60

Waltham Butternut Squash is of uniform shape with a hard rind that keeps exceptionally well. Created by Bob Young of Waltham Massachusetts, it was introduced commercially in 1977. Waltham Butternut Winter Squash won the AAS Award in 1970 and has continued to set the standard for butternut squash.